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Czech president praises Chen at meeting with Wu

Czech President Vaclav Havel congratulated President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) Friday for winning Liberal International's 2001 Prize for Freedom.

Havel, who is himself a recipient of the prize because of his fight for a democratic movement in his own country, made the remarks during a meeting with visiting First lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍). He also lauded Chen for contributing to the Taiwan's freedom and democracy.

Taiwan's first lady, accompanied by Deputy Secretary-General to the President Eugene Chien (簡又新) and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chiou Jung-nan (邱榮男), met with the Czech president, his wife and various government officials for one hour at a palace outside the Czech capital of Prague.

Havel expressed his staunch support for Taiwan and noted that the Czech Republic has close relations with Taiwan. He also pointed out that Prague-Taipei trade is compatible to that of trade between Prague and Beijing.

The first lady returns to Taiwan today on the 18th anniversary of the accident that left her paralyzed and plans to address the media on her thoughts on the restrictions of her husband's personal freedom on the anniversary of losing her own.

Havel noted that both his late and present wives had visited Taiwan and that while both were impressed with the progress of the economic and political situation in Taiwan, they were especially angry about the unfair treatment Taiwan receives from the international community.

The Taiwanese first lady, after receiving the 2001 Prize for Freedom Wednesday in Strasbourg, France, on her husband's behalf, thanked Havel for inviting her entourage to visit. She also told Havel that she believes Chen will be able to visit Europe before the end of his term in office.

Wu also expressed appreciation to the Czech Republic for its support for Taiwan's entry into the WTO. Saying that Taiwan has a "perfect" medical system, advanced medical technology and a willingness to reciprocate this with the international community, Wu also expressed hope that the Czech Republic will help Taiwan return to the World Health Organization and the UN.

Havel said he thinks Taiwan is eligible to become a UN member and that he has asked his prime minister to help Taiwan upgrade its international profile based on the principle of justice when dealing with cross-strait relations.
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